We recently flew from Australia to China and returned with two different airlines — Xiamen Airlines one way and Air China the other. Xiamen Airlines tickets are typically cheaper than Air China by up to 30%, so the question was whether Air China’s service was worth the extra cost.
Here’s what we found.
Xiamen Airlines vs Air China — how do they compare?
The aircraft
Xiamen Airlines flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Air China flies the Airbus A350-900 — a bigger plane with more room to stand and stretch near the galley and toilet areas. Both planes were considerably old. After looking at their registration numbers we could tell they’d both been in service for over ten years and showed signs of wear and tear. Neither was going to win any awards for newness.
Meals and service
The meals on both airlines were similar — beef, fish or chicken with slightly spicy rice, some fruit, cake and a bread roll. Pretty standard stuff for economy on a long haul flight.
The difference was in how they delivered it. Xiamen Airlines’ meal service was chaotic. They’d start at the front, run out of meals, head back to the galley to restock and then start from the back. No real order to it. Air China was far more efficient and communicated clearly what was available. Both airlines offered drinks regularly throughout the flights which was good.
Entertainment
Both planes had in-seat entertainment systems with a decent selection of Western movies — nothing brand new but some titles from the last six months. Music and games were available on both. Air China had bigger screens with better resolution and brightness. Air China also offered better headphones.
Seats and comfort
This is where Bec and I disagreed. I thought the seats on Xiamen Airlines were slightly larger. Bec thought Air China was bigger. Typical of husbands and wives, who see things differently.
My personal test for airline seat space is whether i can get the tray table fully down as a larger person. On Xiamen Air I could. On Air China I couldn’t — which makes meals a balancing act on half a tray and gives me real travel anxiety. The toilets on Xiamen seemed to have more room, but the ones on Air China were noticeably cleaner.
Staff and English
Air China staff spoke English well throughout the flight. Xiamen Air staff were not proficient in English, which created some funny and awkward moments when requesting anything. On a long haul flight that matters more than you might think.
The verdict
If i had the choice and money wasn’t a factor, i’d go with Air China. Their overall product felt more polished on a 9 to 11 hour flight. Better screens, better headphones, better service communication and English-speaking staff.
That said if money is tight and you like to spend more on the ground like we do, fly whoever is cheaper. Both airlines will get you there without too many issues and both deliver what you’d expect for an economy ticket on the Australia to China route.
We’ve been giving straight-up travel advice for midlife couples for over 26 years. Take a look at the story behind Street Eats & Window Seats — and if you need a VPN sorted before you land in China, read our LetsVPN review.
Is Xiamen Airlines good for flying from Australia to China?
Xiamen Airlines is a perfectly serviceable option for the Australia to China route. Meals are standard economy fare, the entertainment system is adequate and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a comfortable aircraft. The main downsides are chaotic meal service and limited English from cabin staff. The main upside is the price — Xiamen tickets are typically 30% cheaper than Air China.
Is Air China better than Xiamen Airlines?
On most measures yes — Air China offers bigger screens, better headphones, more efficient service and English-speaking staff. If you’re on a 9 to 11 hour flight and comfort matters, Air China’s product feels more polished. That said, both airlines deliver a reasonable economy experience and will get you there without major issues.
Which airlines fly from Australia to China?
Around ten airlines operate routes between Australia and China. Qantas is the only Australian carrier. The rest are Chinese airlines including Air China, Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern and others. Prices and routes vary depending on your departure city and destination in China.
Do I need a VPN when flying to China?
You don’t need one on the plane, but you absolutely need one set up before you land. China’s Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and most Western platforms. Once you’re in China you won’t be able to download or purchase a VPN. Sort it out before you leave home.
What is the flight time from Australia to China?
Flight times vary depending on your departure city and Chinese destination. From Melbourne to cities like Xiamen or Qingdao, expect around 9 to 11 hours direct. Flights departing from Sydney or Brisbane may be slightly shorter depending on the route.
